The travel guide to Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, the heart of Northern Vietnam
Hanoi is the cozy, yet busy capital of Vietnam. You can enjoy fantastic street food, ride a bicycle, visit places of interest and learn about the history of Vietnam. A journey through Vietnam starts here in Hanoi! In this video we’ll take you on a bike ride, a street food tour and multiple walks along all the must-see highlights! We visit the prison that used to be called Maison Centrale by the French, but was also used in the Vietnam war with America. After that, we drink cocktails in the sky bars, try all the local specialties and also cycle over the famous ‘reclining Eiffel Tower’!
The hotel we stayed in, is a cozy boutique hotel in the Old French Quarter, the best area to soak up the atmosphere. Colorful colonial façades, local markets, and countless cafés give this neighborhood its distinct character.
A Thousand Years of History
Hanoi has been Vietnam’s capital for over a thousand years, and its name literally means “between the rivers.” The French ruled here from the late 19th century until 1954, and you can still spot their influence in the architecture, railways, and cuisine — yes, even the local baguettes and croissants!
One of the most striking examples of French architecture is the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, built in 1886 and resembling the Notre Dame in Paris. Nearby, narrow alleys hide centuries-old pagodas like the Temple of the Stone Lady, a 400-year-old site with an incredible legend behind it.
Exploring Hanoi by Bike
We joined a bicycle tour with Friends Travel Vietnam, and although the traffic first seemed busy, it quickly felt like good organized. Once you get into the rhythm, it’s actually fun! The tour took us through both famous landmarks and lesser-known areas, from the West Lake (where we stopped for ice cream) to the Long Bien Bridge — designed by the same architect as the Eiffel Tower. Locals call it “the lying-down Eiffel Tower.”
Outside the busy center, we reached what locals call “Risky Village.” Here, families too poor to live in Hanoi build simple floating houses among the banana fields, creating a fragile but fascinating community just beyond the city’s chaos.
Street Food & Egg Coffee
No visit to Hanoi is complete without a street food tour! Together with Friends Travel Vietnam, we tried an incredible variety of dishes — from dry beef salad to sizzling noodle plates. The grand finale? The original Vietnamese Egg Coffee, invented right here in Hanoi. Creamy, sweet, and unlike any coffee you’ve ever tasted!
Culture & Contrasts
A more somber but important stop was the Hoa Lo Prison Museum (known as “Maison Centrale” during French rule). Once the largest prison in Southeast Asia, it tells painful stories from both the French occupation and the Vietnam War. Walking through the narrow, dark cells is a chilling experience — a stark contrast to the cheerful chaos outside.
Hanoi by Night
When the sun sets, the city truly comes alive. From Beer Street filled with plastic chairs and laughter, to rooftop sky bars overlooking the skyline, Hanoi’s nightlife is as energetic as its traffic. It’s a perfect place to toast to your Vietnamese adventure!
Practical Travel Tips
Where to stay: Old French Quarter – great for atmosphere and walkability. Recommended tours: City & Food Tours (Use code WOUTOFTHEWORLD5 for 5% off) Must-tries: Egg Coffee, Bún Chả, Pho, and local craft beer. Good to know: Hanoi is the gateway to Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa – perfect next stops for your trip north.
Watch the full Hanoi Travel Guide here 👇
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